Apparatus and method for extracting an infusion

ABSTRACT

An infusion extractor is provided including a plunger to be inserted into an infusing container containing the infusion mixture that has vertical inner walls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container. The plunger includes a first surface with a seal situated at an edge of the surface. The seal is adapted for sealing against the inner walls of the infusing container as the plunger moves within the container, to define a first chamber containing the mixture of infusible material and extract. The plunger also includes a second surface extending from the first surface and defining a second chamber; the second surface includes extract flow openings which permit flow of extract from the first chamber into the second chamber. At least a portion of the extract flow openings are situated at a depth either above or below the first surface along the vertical axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of and is a continuationof application Ser. No. 14/318,371, filed Jun. 27, 2014; which is adivision of application Ser. No. 12/991,425, filed Nov. 5, 2010, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,770,097, issued on Jul. 8, 2014; which in turn is a U.S.National Stage Entry of International Application NumberPCT/CA2009/000604, filed May 12, 2009, and published on Nov. 19, 2009 asWO 2009/137915; which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/127,430, filed May 12, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparati capable of carryingout an extraction of an infusible material, and methods of use thereof,and more particularly to an apparatus for separating an extract of aninfusible material from a mixture of the extract and the infusiblematerial, after extraction of the infusible material has taken place.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Solvent extraction of an infusible material typically involves theremoval of one or more of the extractable constituents of an infusiblematerial, by contact with a solvent, to form an extract. In many commonextractions, a suitable solvent material may be mixed with an infusiblematerial, resulting in a mixture of an extract and the infusiblematerial after extraction has taken place. An exemplary common type ofextraction is the extraction of constituents from infusible plant-basedmaterials using water, and particularly hot water, as a solvent, to forma mixture of a substantially aqueous extract and the infusibleplant-based material after extraction has taken place.

A number of input parameters affecting the process of extraction may beassociated with the characteristics of the infusible material itself,independent from the solvent extraction apparatus. Three exemplary knowninfusible material characteristics in particular include:

-   -   the mass of infusible material;    -   the time between crushing or grinding (if required) of the        infusible material and the extraction process;    -   the particle size and particle size distribution of the        infusible material.

A further number of input parameters known to affect the process ofextraction may typically be controlled by the solvent extractionapparatus and method of performing the extraction. Such exemplaryextraction parameters related to the extraction apparatus and method ofuse include:

-   -   the volume of solvent relative to the volume or mass of        infusible material;    -   the extraction time (contact time of the solvent with the        infusible material);    -   the temperature of the mixture of infusible material and extract        (note that the initial solvent temperature may be set externally        from the solvent extraction apparatus, such as in the example of        externally heated water). The temperature of the mixture may        also vary over time, due to cooling for example.    -   the effective aperture size of the filtering means used to        separate the extract from the infusible material, after the        extraction is complete.

The final properties of the extract produced by a solvent extractionprocess are typically affected and controlled by the above-describedinfusible material and extraction apparatus and method characteristics.Exemplary such final properties of the extract resulting from thesolvent extraction process include:

-   -   the final temperature of the extract;    -   the soluble constituents of the infusible material contained in        the extract;    -   the insoluble constituents of the infusible material contained        in the extract (e.g. fine particles of the infusible material        and/or insoluble oils extracted from the infusible material that        pass through the filtering means);    -   the volume of extract produced.

For many common solvent extractions, particularly exemplary solventextractions of plant materials using hot water to produce a beveragesuch as coffee or tea, for example, the preferred characteristics forthe extraction process may be similar. For example, in some commonexemplary extractions, smaller particles of the infusible material maybe preferred over larger particles, since with larger particles, theouter surface of the particles may be undesirably over-extracted by thesolvent during the extraction, while the inner core of the largerparticles remains undesirably under-extracted. In such a case, the useof smaller infusible material particles may desirably contribute to moreconsistent extraction of the infusible material particles. Further, theextraction process may also proceed more quickly using smaller particlesof infusible material, and therefore desirably take less time tocomplete. Such desirable faster extraction may also facilitate a moreconsistent temperature throughout the extraction, particularly in caseswhere a non-heated solvent extraction apparatus is used, wherein hotsolvent, such as hot water for example, is placed in the extractionapparatus at an initial temperature, and the temperature of the extractand infusible material mixture decreases as the extraction processproceeds. Accordingly, there may typically exist a preferred extractiontime period for a given infusible material particle size, wherein thepreferred extraction time is shorter for relatively smaller particlesizes.

An additional desirable benefit of using smaller particles of infusiblematerial for an extraction process may be realized in extractions wherethe infusible material and the extract separate due to density (i.e.wherein the infusible material generally floats or sinks in theextract). In such cases of unequal infusible material and extractdensities such as in the exemplary case of extractions to produce coffeewhere the infusible material typically floats in the extract, if largerinfusible material particles are used, the resulting slower extractionprocess may undesirably over-extract the bottom layers of the infusiblematerial in contact with the extract, and undesirably under-extract thetop layers of the infusible material which may be floating substantiallyabove the extract. In such cases, the use of smaller infusible materialparticles which may complete extraction more quickly may desirablyreduce the occurrence of such under and over-extraction.

In some common exemplary extractions, the above-described relativelyfaster extraction resulting from using smaller infusible materialparticles may also desirably reduce the extraction of some undesirableconstituents of infusible material. For example, in the case of coffeeextractions, faster extraction may desirably reduce the amount ofcaffeine extracted from the infusible material. Relatively high levelsof caffeine may be undesirable due to its bitter flavour and stimulantproperties. Additionally, relatively faster extraction may reducevariation in temperature of the extract and infusible material mixtureduring extraction using some types of extraction apparatus, as describedabove. Such reduced temperature variation may reduce extraction of sourconstituents of coffee by lower than ideal temperature extraction, orreduce extraction of bitter constituents of coffee by higher than idealtemperature extraction, for example.

For reasons such as those detailed above, the use of relatively fineinfusible material particles may be desirable for conducting extractionsto produce a desirable extract product. However, some exemplary commonlyknown extraction apparati, such as a traditional french press coffeeand/or tea making apparatus, for example, may be limited in the lowerbounds of infusible material particle size that are practical for use inthe apparatus. In some common extraction apparati like an exemplaryfrench coffee press, and variations thereon, a piston or filtercomponent is used to separate infusible material from the extract uponcompletion of extraction. Such separation may be achieved by physicallyfiltering the extract to flow through a layer of retained infusiblematerial accumulated on the surface of the piston or filter componentand then through a filtering means in the piston or filter component asthe piston or filter is pushed through the mixture of extract andinfusible material from one end of the extraction apparatus to theother. In other similar known extraction apparati, a piston or filtercomponent may be powered mechanically or pneumatically, for example tophysically move the component and filter the extract.

Although smaller infusible material particle size may be desirable asexplained above, commonly known extraction apparati such as a frenchcoffee press as described above typically cannot function acceptablywith infusible particle sizes below a certain size, as such smallerparticles may typically unacceptably clog the filtering means, or passthrough or around the filtering means and into the extract. Commonunacceptable outcomes of filter medium clogging in known extractionapparati may include:

-   -   making it difficult or impossible to push the extract through        the clogged filter and accumulated infusible material, which may        result in the application of excessive pressure to a piston or        filter component which in an extreme case could lead to breakage        of the apparatus or potential frustration and/or harm to a user;    -   passage of unacceptable amounts of small infusible material        particles around the piston or filter component or seals        associated therewith, which then become undesirably entrained in        the extract, which may result in an unwanted muddy or gritty        texture to the extract; and    -   passage of unacceptable concentrations of small infusible        material particles (fines) through the filter and into the        extract. The solvent in the extract may then continue the        extraction process on such passed infusible material and extract        undesirable constituents of the infusible material degrading the        quality of the extract or even render the extract unpalatable in        the case of a beverage extract.

Due to the undesirable results of using smaller infusible materialparticles in some common extraction apparati as described above, manysuch common extraction apparati according to the prior art (such asfrench coffee and/or tea press apparati for example) have effectivelyrequired the use of larger particle sizes for infusible materials inorder to allow separation of the resulting extract and infusiblematerial by use of a piston and filter component. Such required largerinfusible material particles typically result in a slower progress ofthe extraction process, and therefore typically necessitates arelatively longer extraction time. Longer extraction times associatedwith use of some common extraction apparati may undesirably reduce thequality of the resultant extract by such exemplary factors as:

-   -   over-extraction of the outer surfaces of the infusible material        particles, while leaving the inner core of such particles        under-extracted;    -   time waste and delay due to longer extraction times required;    -   potential increase in extraction of certain extraction        duration-sensitive undesirable constituents, such as caffeine,        or increase in undesirable characteristics of the extract due to        either over or under-extraction of the infusible material; and    -   potential increase in variation of the temperature of the        extraction due to cooling of the extract/infusible material        mixture in unheated extraction apparati, which may undesirably        change the amount of certain temperature-sensitive extractable        constituents which may be extracted from the infusible material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved extractseparation apparatus to address some of the shortcomings of extractionapparati known in the art.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, an extract separationapparatus for separating an infused extract from a mixture of aninfusible material and the extract is described. The apparatus in suchfirst embodiment comprises a plunger element adapted to be inserted intoan infusing container containing the mixture and having one or moresubstantially vertical inner walls oriented substantially parallel to avertical axis of the container, wherein the plunger element is adaptedto be moved within the container along the vertical axis thereof. Theplunger element according to the first embodiment comprises a plungingmeans adapted to move the plunger element within the infusing containeralong the vertical axis thereof, and a first surface substantiallytransverse to the vertical axis and comprising sealing means situated atone or more edges of said first surface, wherein said sealing means areadapted for sealing engagement with the one or more inner walls of theinfusing container as the plunger element is moved within the container,to define a first chamber containing the mixture of infusible materialand extract bounded by said first surface. The plunger element furthercomprises a second surface extending from said first surface anddefining a second chamber, said second surface comprising one or moreextract flow openings, wherein said one or more extract flow openingsare adapted to permit flow of extract from said first chamber into saidsecond chamber, and wherein at least a portion of said one or moreextract flow openings in said second surface are situated at a depth,wherein said depth is separated from said first surface, either above orbelow said first surface along the vertical axis.

In additional embodiments according to the present invention, theplunger element may additionally comprise one or more of:

one or more vent openings adapted to permit flow of air, and/or at leasta portion of a low density component comprised in the mixture, out ofthe first chamber;

one or more filter elements comprised in one or more of the extract flowopenings; and

an infusing container adapted to contain the mixture of infusiblematerial and extract, wherein the infusing container comprises one ormore substantially vertical inner walls, and the plunger element isadapted to fit within the infusing container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a vertical section of an exemplary solvent extractionapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing apiston/filter plunger element in a starting position inside an infusingcontainer.

FIG. 2 depicts a vertical section of the exemplary solvent extractionapparatus embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, with the piston/filter plungerelement in a second position.

FIG. 3 depicts a vertical section of an alternative exemplary embodimentof a piston/filter plunger element according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 depicts a vertical section of an alternative exemplary embodimentof a piston/filter plunger element including a porous wall sectionaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a vertical section of an alternative exemplary embodimentof a piston/filter plunger element including a removable filter elementaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a vertical section of an alternative exemplary embodimentof a solvent extraction apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, including a piston/filter plunger element in astarting position.

FIG. 7 depicts a vertical section of a further alternative exemplaryembodiment of a solvent extraction apparatus according to an embodimentof the present invention, including a piston/filter plunger element in astarting position.

FIG. 8 depicts a vertical section of yet a further alternative exemplaryembodiment of a solvent extraction apparatus according to an embodimentof the present invention, including a piston/filter plunger element in astarting position.

FIG. 9 depicts a vertical section of an alternative exemplary embodimentof a solvent extraction apparatus according to an embodiment of thepresent invention, including a piston/filter plunger element in a lowerposition for movement in a reverse direction.

FIG. 10 depicts a vertical section of an alternative exemplaryembodiment of a piston/filter plunger element including an adjustablescrew according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 depicts a vertical section of an alternative exemplaryembodiment of a piston/filter plunger element including an adjustablevent opening according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a solvent extraction apparatus 1 according to anembodiment of the invention is shown, configured similarly to a frenchpress type coffee or tea making apparatus. The solvent extractionapparatus 1 comprises exemplary walled cylinder infusing container 2containing a mixture of extract 3 and infusible material 4. Plungerelement 5 is adapted to fit within infusing container 2 of solventextraction apparatus 1, and to be moved within the infusing container 2along a vertical axis thereof, such as central vertical axis 6, by meansof a plunging means attached to the plunger element 5. The plungingmeans may comprise a central elongated handle 7 comprising rod 8 andoptional knob 9, for example, which may be grasped by a user to move theplunger element 5. The extraction apparatus 1 may additionally comprisea lid 10 with central hole 11 through which rod 8 may pass to assist incentering the plunger element 5 and rod 8 inside infusing container 2and prevent it from tilting. Plunger element 5 additionally comprisessealing means 12 situated at the edge of a first surface or wall 13 ofthe plunger element 5, which is oriented substantially transverse to thevertical axis 6. In use inside infusing container 2, the first surface13 and sealing means 12 of the plunger element 5 define a first chamber14 containing the mixture of extract 3 and infusible material 4. FIG. 1shows the extraction apparatus 1 in a first or starting position forseparating the extract 3 from the mixture of extract 3 and infusiblematerial 4 in infusing container 2.

The plunger element 5 further comprises a second surface or wall 15depending from and oriented substantially perpendicular to the firstsurface 13, defining second chamber 16 containing extract 3. In someembodiments, the second surface or wall 15 may enclose the secondchamber 16, whereas in other embodiments, second chamber 16 may comprisea partially or completely open top and/or bottom, for example. The jointbetween the first surface 13 and the second surface 15 is substantiallyleak proof with respect to extract 3 and infusible material 4. Thesecond surface 15 of plunger element 5 also comprises one or moreextract flow openings 17. In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portionof the one or more extract flow openings 17 are situated at a depth 18separated from the first surface 13 along the vertical axis 6, eitherabove or below the first surface 13. The one or more extract flowopenings 17 are adapted to permit flow of extract 3 from the firstchamber 14 (containing a mixture of extract 3 and infusible material 4)to the second chamber 16 (containing extract 3) as shown by arrow 19. Inanother embodiment, the second surface or wall 15 may depend from thefirst surface 13, extending away from the first surface 13 at anon-perpendicular angle. In an exemplary such embodiment, the secondsurface or wall 15 may extend away from the first surface 13 at an anglebetween about 45-85 degrees, for example. The further embodiments of theinventive plunger element described below in FIGS. 2-11 may also besimilarly adapted such that the second surface or wall may extend awayfrom the first surface at a non-perpendicular angle.

The one or more extract flow openings 17 in the second wall 15 typicallycomprise one or more filter elements 20 within or across the extractflow openings 17, such that extract 3 flowing through the openings 17must substantially pass through the filter elements 20. The one or morefilter elements 20 may be desirably adapted to control the passage ofinfusible material 4 through the openings 17 to allow substantialseparation of the extract 3 from the infusible material 4. In someembodiments, apertures in the filter elements 20 may be small enough tosubstantially exclude the infusible material 4 from passing through theopenings 17. The filter elements 20 may be made from any suitablematerial such as one or a combination of: polymer, metal, ceramic,composite, cloth, felt, paper, or other suitable materials, for example.The filter elements 20 can be formed by any suitable method, such as byone or more of: stamping, chemical etching, laser etching, molding,weaving, welding, machining, sintering, felting, foaming, paper making,piercing, or any other method adapted to create small and preferablyuniform apertures. A common embodiment of a filter element 20 includes ascreen or mesh having many apertures comprised of a suitable material asdescribed above. Additionally, the filter elements 20 may bemulti-staged, comprising a plurality of individual filter elements.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1,the infusing container 2 comprises a substantially vertical walledcylinder container, with a substantially circular cross-section, thefirst surface 13 of plunger element 5 is substantially circular incross-section adapted to fit inside the cylindrical infusing container2, and the second surface 15 is substantially cylindrical with asubstantially circular cross-section, and a plug or end wall 21 closingthe bottom of the second wall 15. Sealing means 12 are situated aroundthe substantially circular outside edge of the first surface 13 ofplunger element 5 to provide a seal against the cylindrical wall of theinfusing container 2 when the plunger element 5 is moved inside thecontainer, to substantially prevent extract 3 or infusible material 4from leaking around the sealing means 12. In alternative embodiments ofthe invention, the infusing container 2 and mating plunger element 5 andfirst surface 13 thereof may optionally have another cross-sectionalshape, such as a square or rectangular or other shape for example,wherein sealing means 12 may be situated around the edge or edges of thefirst surface 13 of the plunger element 5. Further, in alternativeembodiments, the second wall 15 of the plunger element 5 may optionallyhave another shape, such as a rectangular prism, or conical frustum, forexample. In an alternative embodiment, plunger element 5 according tothe invention may be provided independently, adapted to fit inside anexisting infusing container design, for use as an extraction apparatus.In such an embodiment, the inventive plunger element 5 may be adaptedfor retrofittable use with one or more existing infusing containers,such as one or more standard or commonly available infusing containersfrom existing french press extraction apparati, as are known in the art.

In embodiments of the invention including an infusing container 2, theinfusing container 2 may be made from any suitable material such as oneor more of: glass, plastic, ceramic, metal or other suitable material,for example. Additionally, the infusing container 2 may optionallyinclude a double-layered wall, such as a double metal wall, with avacuum or other suitable and preferably insulative substance between thetwo walls of the infusing container 2, such as to reduce variations intemperature inside the container 2 during the extraction process.Further, the plunger element 5 and first wall 13 and second wall 15components thereof may be made from any suitable material such as one ormore of: polymer, composite, metal, ceramic or other suitable materials,for example.

Sealing means 12 may comprise any suitable known seal material and/ordesign. Exemplary such seal designs may include single or multiple lipseals, single or multiple wiper seals, and single or multiple U-cup sealdesigns, for example. Suitable such single or multiple U-cup sealdesigns may desirably be self-energising, such that an outer edge of theU-cup seal actively engages and seals with the inner wall of container 2as plunger element 5 is moved within the container 2 and against thefluid mixture of extract 3 and infusible material 4. Exemplary suitableseal materials may comprise one or more of: silicone, polymers (such aspolyurethane for example) and silicone or polymer materials impregnatedwith carbon or other additives, for example. Additionally, sealing means12 may comprise one or more such suitable seal materials by themselves,or alternatively, such seal materials may surround or be overmolded overa support material, such as a metal or composite support material, forexample. The above-described exemplary sealing means materials anddesigns may also apply to sealing means incorporated in otherembodiments of the invention, such as those described below.

The plunger element 5 may also optionally include one or more ventopenings 22. The vent openings 22 are adapted to permit the flow of airout of the first chamber 14 through the vent openings 22, as representedin FIG. 1 by arrow 23, as the plunger element 5 is moved inside theinfusing container 2. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention,extraction of the infusible material 4 may also result in the extractionof low density extractable constituents 24, such as oils or otherconstituents having a lower density than the remainder of extract 3, andwhich may typically float on top of the extract 3 in first chamber 14.In such embodiments comprising low density extractable constituents 24,the one or more optional vent openings 22 may also permit the flow of atleast a portion of the low density extractable constituents 24 out ofthe first chamber 14 through the vent openings 22. According to anotherembodiment, vent openings 22 may also optionally include vent filterelements 25, similar to extract flow opening filter elements 20described above, and may be made from similar suitable materials and bysimilar suitable methods to those described above in reference to filterelements 20. Optional vent filter elements 25 may also be multi-staged,comprising a plurality of individual filter elements. In a furtheroptional embodiment, the one or more vent openings 22 may be adjustableor configurable to control the amount of air and/or low densityextractable constituents 24 which may flow out of the first chamber 14through the vent openings 22.

In some embodiments of the invention, such as that shown in FIG. 1, theplunger element 5 may also optionally include one or more extract flowpaths 26 in the plunger element 5 to permit flow of extract 3 from thesecond chamber 16 to a third extract chamber 27 through the flow path26, as generally indicated by arrow 28. Extract flow path 26 may be anopening located in the first surface 13 of the plunger element 5, ormore generally in the plunger element 5. The extract flow path 26 mayalso optionally include one or more extract flow path filter elements29, substantially similar to extract flow opening filter elements 20described above, and may be made from similar suitable materials and bysimilar suitable methods to those described above in reference to filterelements 20. Optional extract flow path filter elements 29 may also bemulti-staged, comprising a plurality of individual filter elements.

In some common exemplary embodiments of the invention, the extractionapparatus 1 may be configured for extracting a hot beverage extract 3from infusible plant material 4, such as in embodiments where infusiblematerial 4 may comprise coffee grounds, tea leaves or herbal infusibles,for example, and extract 3 may comprise coffee, tea or herbal tisane,respectively. In the common example of coffee extraction, the extractionof ground coffee infusible material 4 may result in a coffee extract 3,and one or more aromatic coffee oil low density constituents 24.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the solvent extraction apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 isshown in a second position where plunger element 5 has been moved tosubstantially the bottom of the infusing container 2, such as by a userpressing on knob 9 of the plunger element 5. As the plunger element 5 ismoved in the infusing container 2 containing a mixture of extract 3,infusible material 4 and in some embodiments low density constituent(s)24, air and at least some of the low density constituent 24 (if present)may flow through vent opening 22 in the first surface 13, and extract 3flows through the extract flow opening(s) 17 in the second wall 15 fromthe first chamber 14 into the second chamber 16, and then through theextract flow path(s) 26 into the third extract chamber 27. Extract 3 maytypically flow through extract flow opening(s) 17 and subsequentlyextract flow path(s) 26 rather than through vent opening 22 due to thefact that the accumulation of infusible material 4 against the ventopening 22, or optionally the small size of vent opening 22, increasesthe resistance to fluid flow through the vent opening 22 in comparisonto an extract flow opening 17 or extract flow path 26. The extractfilter element(s) 20 and optionally also vent filter element(s) 25 andextract flow path filter element(s) 29 act to substantially prevent theflow of infusible material 4 from the first chamber 14 into either ofthe second chamber 16 or the third chamber 27, effectively and desirablyseparating the extract 3 (and potentially also low density constituent24 if present) from the infusible material 4.

Following the separation of extract 3 (and potentially also low densityconstituent 24 if present) from the infusible material 4 by moving theplunger element 5 inside the infusing container 2, the separated extract3 (and any low density constituent 24) may be stored in the thirdextract chamber 27 until desired for use without further contact withinfusible material 4. The infusing container 2 may also optionallyinclude a pouring spout 30, which may be used to pour the separatedextract 3 from the third chamber 27 for consumption or other use. Theinfusing container 2 may further optionally include a handle (not shown)to facilitate lifting or moving the extraction apparatus 1 by a user.

Referring to FIG. 3, a vertical section of an exemplary embodiment of aplunger element 105 according to an embodiment of the invention isshown, configured similarly to a french press type coffee and/or teamaking plunger. Plunger element 105 is adapted to fit within an infusingcontainer similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and to be moved within theinfusing container (not shown) along a vertical axis thereof, such ascentral vertical axis 106, by means such as central elongated handle107. Handle means 107 may comprise rod 108 and optional knob 109, forexample, which may be grasped by a user to move the plunger element 105.

Plunger element 105 additionally comprises sealing means 112 situated atthe edge of a first surface or wall 113 of the plunger element 105,which is oriented substantially transverse to the vertical axis 106.

The plunger element 105 further comprises a second surface or wall 115depending from and oriented substantially perpendicular to the firstsurface 113, defining a fluid chamber 116, which is substantially openat one end. Similar to the plunger element 5 shown in FIG. 1, the jointbetween the first surface 113 and the second surface 115 of plunger 105is substantially leak proof, and the second surface 115 of plungerelement 105 also comprises one or more extract flow openings 117,wherein at least a portion of the one of more extract flow openings 117is situated at a depth 118 separated from the first surface 113, belowthe first surface 113 along the vertical axis 106. The one or moreextract flow openings 117 are adapted to permit flow of extract intochamber 116 as shown by arrow 119.

The one or more extract flow openings 117 in the second wall 115typically comprise one or more filter elements 120 within or across theextract flow openings 117, such that extract flowing through theopenings 117 as shown by arrow 119 must substantially pass through thefilter elements 120. Similar to exemplary plunger element 5 of FIG. 1,the one or more filter elements 120 may be desirably adapted to controlthe passage of infusible material through the openings 117 to allowsubstantial separation of the extract from the infusible material, andoptionally, apertures in the filter elements 120 may be small enough tosubstantially exclude the infusible material from passing through theopenings 117. Extract flow path filter elements 120 are substantiallysimilar to extract flow opening filter elements 20 described above, andmay be made from similar suitable materials and by similar suitablemethods to those described above in reference to filter elements 20.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3,the first surface 113 of plunger element 105 is substantially circularin cross-section adapted to fit inside a cylindrical infusing container,and the second surface 115 is substantially cylindrical with asubstantially circular cross-section, and a plug or end wall portion 121closing the bottom of the second surface or wall 115. Sealing means 112are essentially similar to the sealing means 12 described above withrespect to FIG. 1, and are situated around the substantially circularoutside edge of the first surface 113 of plunger element 105, performingthe same sealing function as described above with reference to FIG. 1.In alternative embodiments of the invention, the infusing container andmating plunger element 105 and first surface 113 thereof may optionallyhave another cross-sectional shape, such as a square or rectangular orother shape for example, wherein sealing means 112 may be situatedaround the edge or edges of the first surface 113 of the plunger element105. Further, in alternative embodiments, the second wall 115 of theplunger element 105 may optionally have another shape, such as arectangular prism, or conical frustum, for example.

The plunger element 105 and first wall 113 and second wall 115components thereof may be made from suitable materials such as describedabove in reference to plunger element 5 of FIG. 1. As in plunger element5, plunger element 105 may optionally also include one or more ventopenings 122 adapted to permit the flow of air through the vent openings122, as represented in FIG. 3 by arrow 123, as the plunger element 105is moved inside the infusing container. In some exemplary embodiments ofthe invention, extraction of the infusible material may also result inthe extraction of low density extractable constituents, such as oils orother constituents having a lower density than the remainder of theextract, and which may typically float on top of the extract. In suchembodiments comprising low density extractable constituents, the one ormore vent openings 122 may also permit the flow of at least a portion ofthe low density extractable constituents. Vent openings 122 may alsooptionally include vent filter elements 125, similar to extract flowopening filter elements 120 described above, and may be made fromsimilar suitable materials and by similar suitable methods to thosedescribed above in reference to filter elements 120. Optional ventfilter elements 125 may also be multi-staged, comprising a plurality ofindividual filter elements. In an alternative such embodiment, the oneor more vent openings 122 may be adjustable or configurable to controlthe amount of low density extractable constituents which may flowthrough the vent openings 122.

In another embodiment, the one or more vent openings 122 may be operableto control an amount of infusible material 4 which may pass through ventopenings 122. In one example thereof, vent openings 122 may desirablysubstantially prevent passage of infusible material 4. In anotherexample thereof, vent openings may be adjustable or configurable suchthat they are operable to controllably permit a desired amount ofinfusible material 4 through the vent openings 122 and into theseparated extract 3 in the extract chamber 27. The passage of acontrolled and typically very small amount of infusible material 4through the vent openings 122 into separated extract 3, may be desirablein some cases, or by some users, to affect the taste of the separatedextract 3, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3,the fluid chamber 116 defined by the second surface 115 is substantiallyopen at the top and thereby permits flow of extract out of fluid chamber116, such as through extract flow path 126, as generally indicated byarrow 128 as plunger 105 is moved through an infusing containercontaining a mixture of extract and infusible material, similar to asshown with plunger 5 in FIG. 2. In other exemplary embodiments, thefluid chamber 116 defined by the second surface 115 may be partiallyclosed or narrowed at the top.

Referring to FIG. 4, a vertical section of an exemplary embodiment of aplunger element 205 according to an embodiment of the invention isshown, configured similarly to a french press type coffee and/or teamaking plunger. Plunger element 205 is adapted to fit within an infusingcontainer, such as the infusing container shown in FIG. 1, and to bemoved within the infusing container (not shown) along a vertical axisthereof, such as central vertical axis 206, by means such as centralelongated handle 207. Handle means 207 may comprise rod 208 and optionalknob 209, for example, which may be grasped by a user to move theplunger element 205.

Plunger element 205 additionally comprises sealing means 212 situated atthe edge of a first surface or wall 213 of the plunger element 205,which is oriented substantially transverse to the vertical axis 206.Sealing means 212 may be essentially similar in design and constructionto the sealing means 12 described above with respect to FIG. 1.

The plunger element 205 further comprises a second surface or wall 215depending from and oriented substantially perpendicular to the firstsurface 213, defining a fluid chamber 216. Similar to the plungerelement 5 shown in FIG. 1, the joint between the first surface 213 andthe second surface 215 of plunger 205 is substantially leak proof. Atleast a portion of the second surface 215 of plunger element 205comprises a porous wall section, wherein the porous wall section ispermeable to the extract and comprises a plurality of extract flowapertures or openings. At least a portion of such extract flow aperturesare situated at a depth 218 below the first surface 213. The portion ofthe second surface 215 which is porous is adapted to permit flow ofextract into chamber 216 as shown by arrow 219. Preferably, such porousportion of the second surface 215 is also adapted to substantiallyprevent movement of infusible material into chamber 216. In oneexemplary embodiment, substantially the entire length of second surface215 may comprise such a porous wall section, permeable to the extract.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, atleast a portion of the end wall portion 221 closing the bottom of thesecond surface or wall 215 also comprises a porous wall section, whereinsuch porous wall section of end wall 221 is permeable to the extract andcomprises a plurality of apertures. In such an embodiment, the portionof the end wall portion 221 which is porous is adapted to permit flow ofextract into chamber 216 as shown by arrow 231, and may also preferablybe adapted to substantially prevent movement of infusible material intochamber 216.

Similar to the exemplary plunger element 5 of FIG. 1, the porous wallsections of second wall 215 and end portion 221 of plunger element 205may be desirably adapted to control the passage of infusible materialthrough the porous wall section to allow substantial separation of theextract from the infusible material, and optionally, apertures in theporous wall sections may be small enough to substantially exclude theinfusible material from passing through the porous wall sections. Theporous wall sections may be made from similar suitable materials and bysimilar suitable methods to those described above in reference to filterelements 20. Additionally, the porous wall sections may be multi-staged,comprising a plurality of individual layers of porous materials. Inanother embodiment, the porous wall sections may comprise a plurality ofsegments, wherein each segment may be more or less permeable to theextract, thereby providing porous wall sections of variable permeabilityto the extract. In one example of such an embodiment, porous end wall221 may have a greater permeability to the extract than a porous wallsection of second surface 215, or vice versa.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4,the first surface 213 of plunger element 205 is substantially circularin cross-section adapted to fit inside a substantially cylindricalinfusing container, and the second surface 215 is substantiallycylindrical with a substantially circular cross-section, and a plug orend wall portion 221 closing the bottom of the second surface or wall215. Sealing means 212 are essentially similar to the sealing means 12described above with respect to FIG. 1, and are situated around thesubstantially circular outside edge of the first surface 213 of plungerelement 205, performing the same sealing function as described abovewith reference to FIG. 1. In alternative embodiments of the invention,the infusing container and mating plunger element 205 and first surface213 thereof may optionally have another cross-sectional shape, such as asquare or rectangular or other shape for example, wherein sealing means212 may be situated around the edge or edges of the first surface 213 ofthe plunger element 205. Further, in alternative embodiments, the secondwall 215 of the plunger element 205 may optionally have another shape,such as a rectangular prism, or conical frustum, for example.

The plunger element 205 and first wall 213 and second wall 215components thereof may be made from any suitable materials such as suchexemplary materials described above in reference to plunger element 5 ofFIG. 1.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, where the porous portion ofthe second surface 215 extends to substantially the top of the secondsurface 215, as the plunger element 205 is moved inside the infusingcontainer, the portion of the second surface 215 which is porous mayalso be adapted to permit the flow of any air present in the infusingcontainer through the porous portion of the second surface 215, asrepresented in FIG. 4 by arrow 223. In some exemplary embodiments of theinvention, extraction of the infusible material may also result in theextraction of low density extractable constituents, such as oils orother constituents having a lower density than the remainder of theextract, and which may typically float on top of the extract. In suchembodiments comprising low density extractable constituents, the portionof the second surface 215 which is porous may also permit the flow of atleast a portion of the low density extractable constituents. In analternative such embodiment, the portion of the second surface 215 whichis porous may be adjustable or configurable to control the amount of lowdensity extractable constituents which may flow through the portion ofthe second surface 215 which is porous, as represented in FIG. 4 byarrow 223.

In an alternative embodiment, plunger element 205 may optionally alsocomprise a vent opening (not shown) in the first surface 213, to providefor the passage of air and/or at least a portion of any low densityextractable constituents through the first surface 213. Such optionalvent opening may be similar to vent opening 22 of FIG. 1 as describedabove.

In some embodiments of the invention, such as that shown in FIG. 4, theplunger element 205 may also include one or more extract flow paths 226in the plunger element 205 to permit flow of extract out of chamber 216through the flow path 226, as generally indicated by arrow 228. Extractflow path 226 may be an opening located in the first surface 213 of theplunger element 105, or more generally in the plunger element 205. Theextract flow path 226 may also optionally include one or more extractflow path filter elements 229, substantially similar to filter elements29 described above, and may be made from similar suitable materials andby similar suitable methods to those described above in reference tofilter elements 29. Optional extract flow path filter elements 229 mayalso be multi-staged, comprising a plurality of individual filterelements.

Referring to FIG. 5, a vertical section of an exemplary embodiment of aplunger element 305 according to an embodiment of the invention isshown, configured similarly to a french press type coffee and/or teamaking plunger. Plunger element 305 is adapted to fit within an infusingcontainer similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and to be moved within theinfusing container (not shown) along a vertical axis thereof, such ascentral vertical axis 306, by means such as elongated handle 307. Handlemeans 307 may be comprised of rod 308 and optional knob 309, forexample, which may be grasped by a user to move the plunger element 305.

Exemplary plunger element 305 additionally comprises sealing means 312situated at the edge of a first surface or wall 313 of the plungerelement 305, which is substantially circular in cross-section andoriented substantially transverse to the vertical axis 306, similar toplunger 205 of FIG. 4, as described above. Further, plunger 305 includesan extract flow path opening 326, such as in first surface 313, to allowflow to pass through plunger 305, and in particular through firstsurface 313 of plunger 305 as shown by arrow 328. Extract flow path 326may also optionally comprise one or more extract flow filters 329,similar to as described above in reference to plunger 205 of FIG. 4. Inother alternative embodiments, plunger element 305 may comprise anothercross-sectional shape to fit inside a non-cylindrical infusioncontainer.

The plunger element 305 further comprises a substantially cylindricalsecond surface or wall 315 depending from and oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the first surface 313, with a plug or end wall portion321 closing the bottom of the second surface or wall 315, defining afluid chamber 316. Similar to the plunger element 5 shown in FIG. 1, thejoint between the first surface 313 and the second surface 315 ofplunger 305 is substantially leak proof. The second surface 315 ofplunger element 305 also comprises one or more extract flow openings 317situated at various depths separated from the first surface 313 alongthe central axis 306. At least a portion of such extract flow openings317 are situated at a depth 318 below the first surface 313 alongcentral axis 306. The one or more extract flow openings 317 are adaptedto permit flow of extract into chamber 316 as shown by arrow 319. Inother alternative embodiments, second surface 315 may optionally haveanother shape, such as a rectangular prism or conical frustum, forexample. Porous sleeve 320 covers extract flow openings 317 in secondsurface 315, such that extract flowing through openings 317 into chamber316 as shown by arrow 319 must substantially pass through porous sleeve320. Porous sleeve 320 is permeable to the extract and comprises aplurality of apertures. The porous sleeve 320 may be substantially fixedto the second wall 315, or may be removable. In another embodiment,porous sleeve 320 may comprise a plurality of segments, wherein eachsegment may be more or less permeable to the extract, thereby providinga porous sleeve 320 of variable permeability. In one such embodiment, anupper segment of porous sleeve 320 may be more permeable to the extractrelative to a lower segment of the porous sleeve 320, or vice versa, forexample.

Similar to exemplary plunger element 5 of FIG. 1, the porous sleeve 320may be desirably adapted to control the passage of infusible materialthrough extract flow openings 317 to allow substantial separation of theextract from the infusible material, and optionally, apertures in theporous sleeve 320 may be small enough to substantially exclude theinfusible material from passing through openings 317. The porous sleeve320 may be made from similar suitable materials and by similar suitablemethods to those described above in reference to filter elements 20.Additionally, the porous sleeve 320 may be multi-staged, comprising aplurality of individual layers of porous materials.

The plunger element 305 and first wall 313 and second wall 315components thereof may be made from suitable materials such as describedabove in reference to plunger element 5 of FIG. 1.

As the plunger element 305 is moved inside an infusing container, theporous sleeve 320 and extract flow openings 317 are adapted to permitthe flow of any air present in the infusing container through the poroussleeve 320 and the extract flow openings 317, and into chamber 316, asrepresented in FIG. 5 by arrow 323. In some exemplary embodiments of theinvention, extraction of the infusible material may also result in theextraction of low density extractable constituents, such as oils orother constituents having a lower density than the remainder of theextract, and which may typically float on top of the extract. In suchembodiments comprising low density extractable constituents, the poroussleeve 320 may also permit the flow of at least a portion of the lowdensity extractable constituents. In an alternative such embodiment, thesecond surface 315 and/or porous sleeve 320 may be adjustable orconfigurable to control the amount of low density extractableconstituents which may flow through the porous sleeve 320 and theextract flow openings 317, and into chamber 316, as represented in FIG.5 by arrow 323. In an alternative embodiment, plunger element 305 mayoptionally also comprise a vent opening (not shown) in the first surface313, to provide for the passage of air and/or at least a portion of anylow density extractable constituents through the first surface 313. Suchoptional vent opening may be similar to vent opening 22 of FIG. 1 asdescribed above.

Referring to FIG. 6, a solvent extraction apparatus 401 according to anembodiment of the invention is shown, configured similarly to extractionapparatus 1 of FIG. 1 as described above. The solvent extractionapparatus 401 comprises exemplary cylindrical infusing container 402containing a mixture of extract 403 and infusible material 404. Plungerelement 405 is substantially cylindrical in cross-section and adapted tofit within infusing container 402 of solvent extraction apparatus 401,and to be moved within the infusing container 402 along a vertical axisthereof, such as central vertical axis 406, by means of a plunging meansattached to the plunger element 405. The plunging means may comprise acentral elongated handle 407 comprised of rod 408 and optional knob 409,for example, which may be grasped by a user to move the plunger element405. The extraction apparatus 401 may additionally comprise a lid 410with central hole 411 through which rod 408 may pass to assist incentering the plunger element 405 and rod 408 inside infusing container402 and prevent it from tilting.

Plunger element 405 additionally comprises sealing means 412 situated atthe edge of a first surface or wall 413 of the plunger element 405,which is oriented substantially transverse to the vertical axis 406. Inuse inside infusing container 402, the first surface 413 and sealingmeans 412 of the plunger element 405 define a first chamber 414containing the mixture of extract 403 and infusible material 404. FIG. 6shows the extraction apparatus 401 in a first or starting position forseparating the extract 403 from the mixture of extract 403 and infusiblematerial 404 in infusing container 402. Further, plunger 405 includes anextract flow path opening 426, such as in first surface 413, to allowflow to pass through plunger 405 and in particular through first surface413 as shown by arrow 428. Extract flow path 426 may also optionallycomprise one or more extract flow filters 429, similar to as describedabove in reference to plunger 5 of FIG. 1. In other alternativeembodiments, plunger element 405 may comprise another cross-sectionalshape to fit a non-cylindrical infusion container 402.

The plunger element 405 further comprises substantially cylindricalsecond surface or wall 415, defining second chamber 416 containingextract 403. The second surface 415 of plunger element 405 alsocomprises extract flow opening 417 situated across the bottom of thesecond surface 415, at a depth 418 below the first surface 413 along thecentral axis 406. The extract flow opening 417 is adapted to permit flowof extract 403 from the first chamber 414 (containing a mixture ofextract 403 and infusible material 404) to the second chamber 416(containing extract 403) as shown by arrow 419. In other alternativeembodiments, second surface 415 may optionally have another shape, suchas a rectangular prism or conical frustum, for example

The extract flow opening 417 in the second wall 415 typically comprisesone or more filter elements 420 within or across the extract flowopening 417, such that extract 403 flowing through the opening 417 asshown by arrow 419 must substantially pass through the filter elements420. Similar to exemplary plunger element 5 of FIG. 1, the one or morefilter elements 420 may be desirably adapted to control the passage ofinfusible material 404 through the openings 417 to allow substantialseparation of the extract 403 from the infusible material 404, andoptionally, apertures in the filter elements 420 may be small enough tosubstantially exclude the infusible material 404 from passing throughthe openings 417. Extract flow path filter elements 420 aresubstantially similar to extract flow opening filter elements 20described above, and may be made from similar suitable materials and bysimilar suitable methods to those described above in reference to filterelements 20.

The second surface 415 may optionally extend below filter element 420,as shown in FIG. 6 by depth 431. If so, some of the infusible material403 may be captured in the opening of the second wall 415 below filter420, as plunger 405 is moved through the mixture of extract 403 andinfusible material 404. This infusible material may desirably form a“filter cake,” which may further prevent small particles of theinfusible material 404 from passing into chamber 416.

The infusing container 402 may be made from suitable materials such asdescribed above in reference to infusing container 2 of FIG. 1.Additionally, the infusing container 402 may optionally include adouble-layered wall, with a vacuum or other suitable and preferablyinsulative substance between the two walls of the infusing container402, such as described above in reference to infusing container 2 ofFIG. 1. The infusing container 402 may also optionally include a pouringspout 430, which may be used to pour the separated extract 403 from thethird chamber 427 for consumption or other use. The plunger element 405and first wall 413 and second wall 415 components thereof may be madefrom suitable materials such as described above in reference to plungerelement 5 of FIG. 1.

As in plunger element 5, plunger element 405 may typically also includeone or more vent openings 422 adapted to permit the flow of air and/or aportion of any low density extractable constituents 424 through the ventopenings 422, as represented in FIG. 6 by arrow 423, as the plungerelement 405 is moved inside the infusing container 402. Vent openings422 may also optionally include vent filter elements 425, similar toextract flow opening filter elements 20 described above, and may be madefrom similar suitable materials and by similar suitable methods to thosedescribed above in reference to filter elements 20.

Referring to FIG. 7, a solvent extraction apparatus 501 according to anembodiment of the invention is shown, configured similarly to theextraction apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. The solvent extraction apparatus 501comprises exemplary cylindrical infusing container 502 containing amixture of extract 503 and infusible material 504. Plunger element 505is substantially circular in cross-section and adapted to fit withininfusing container 502 of solvent extraction apparatus 501, and to bemoved within the infusing container 502 along a vertical axis thereof,such as central vertical axis 506, by means of a plunging means attachedto the plunger element 505. The plunging means may comprise a centralelongated handle 507 comprising rod 508 and optional knob 509, forexample, which may be grasped by a user to move the plunger element 505.The extraction apparatus 501 may additionally comprise a lid 510 withcentral hole 511 through which rod 508 may pass to assist in centeringthe plunger element 505 and rod 508 inside infusing container 502 andprevent it from tilting.

Plunger element 505 additionally comprises sealing means 512 situated atthe edge of a first surface or wall 513 of the plunger element 505,which is oriented substantially transverse to the vertical axis 506. Inuse inside infusing container 502, the first surface 513 and sealingmeans 512 of the plunger element 505 define a first chamber 514containing the mixture of extract 503 and infusible material 504. FIG. 7shows the extraction apparatus 501 in a first or starting position forseparating the extract 503 from the mixture of extract 503 and infusiblematerial 504 in infusing container 502. Further, plunger 505 includes atleast one extract flow path opening 526, such as in first surface 513,to allow flow to pass through the plunger element 505, and particularlythrough first surface 513 as shown by arrow 528. Extract flow path 526may also optionally comprise one or more extract flow filters 529,similar to as described above in reference to plunger 5 of FIG. 1. Inother alternative embodiments, plunger element 505 may comprise anothercross-sectional shape to fit a non-cylindrical infusion container 502.

The plunger element 505 further comprises a substantially cylindricalsecond surface or wall 515 with a plug or end wall portion 521 locatedat the bottom of the second surface or wall 515, defining second chamber516 containing extract 503 and typically also a relatively small portionof infusible material 504. The bottom plug section 521 of second surface515 comprises extract flow opening 517 situated at a depth 518 below thefirst surface 513 along the vertical axis 506. Due to the relativelysmall area of opening 517 relative to the cross-sectional area of theinfusing container 502, the extract flow opening 517 is adapted topermit flow of extract 503 and a relatively small portion of the totalinfusible material 504 from the first chamber 514 to the second chamber516 as shown by arrow 519. In alternative embodiments, the relative sizeof extract flow opening 517 may be varied in order to vary the relativeamount of infusible material 504 allowed to enter second chamber 516.Further, in alternative embodiments, the second wall 515 of the plungerelement 505 may optionally have another shape, such as a rectangularprism, or conical frustum, for example.

The plunger element 505 and first wall 513 and second wall 515components thereof may be made from suitable materials such as describedabove in reference to plunger element 5 of FIG. 1. The infusingcontainer 502 may be made from suitable materials such as describedabove in reference to infusing container 2 of FIG. 1 and container 402of FIG. 6. The infusing container 502 may also optionally include apouring spout 530, which may be used to pour the separated extract 503from the third chamber 527 for consumption or other use. The infusingcontainer 502 may further optionally include a handle (not shown) tofacilitate lifting or moving the extraction apparatus 501 by a user.

As in plunger element 5, plunger element 505 may typically also includeone or more vent openings 522 adapted to permit the flow of air and/or aportion of any low density extractable constituents 524 through the ventopenings 522, as represented in FIG. 7 by arrow 523, as the plungerelement 505 is moved inside the infusing container 502. Vent openings522 may also optionally include vent filter elements 525, similar toextract flow opening filter elements 20 described above, and may be madefrom similar suitable materials and by similar suitable methods to thosedescribed above in reference to filter elements 20.

Referring to FIG. 8, a solvent extraction apparatus 601 according to anembodiment of the invention is shown, configured similarly to a frenchpress type coffee or tea making apparatus. The solvent extractionapparatus 601 comprises exemplary walled cylinder infusing container 602containing a mixture of extract 603 and infusible material 604. Plungerelement 605 is adapted to fit within infusing container 602 of solventextraction apparatus 601, and to be moved within the infusing container602 along a vertical axis thereof, such as central vertical axis 606, bymeans of a plunging means attached to the plunger element 605. Theplunging means may comprise a central elongated handle 607 comprised ofrod 608 and optional knob 609, for example, which may be grasped by auser to move the plunger element 605. The extraction apparatus 601 mayadditionally comprise a lid 610 with central hole 611 through which rod608 may pass to assist in centering the plunger element 605 and rod 608inside infusing container 602 and prevent it from tilting. FIG. 8 showsthe extraction apparatus 601 in a first or starting position forseparating the extract 603 from the mixture of extract 603 and infusiblematerial 604 in infusing container 602.

Plunger element 605 additionally comprises sealing means 612 situated atthe edge of a first surface or wall 613 of the plunger element 605,which is substantially circular in cross-section and is orientedsubstantially transverse to the vertical axis 606. In use insideinfusing container 602, the first surface 613 and sealing means 612 ofthe plunger element 605 define a first chamber 614 containing themixture of extract 603 and infusible material 604. Sealing means 612 areessentially similar to the sealing means 12 described above with respectto FIG. 1, and are situated around the substantially circular outsideedge of the first surface 613 of plunger element 605, performing thesame sealing function as described above with reference to FIG. 1. Inalternative embodiments of the invention, the infusing container 602 andmating plunger element 605 and first surface 613 thereof may optionallyhave another cross-sectional shape, such as a square or rectangular orother shape for example, wherein sealing means 612 may be situatedaround the edge or edges of the first surface 613 of the plunger element605.

The plunger element 605 further comprises a substantially cylindricalsecond surface or wall 615 depending from and oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the first surface 613, defining a second substantiallyannular chamber 616 containing extract 603. The joint between the firstsurface 613 and the second surface 615 is substantially leak proof withrespect to extract 603 and infusible material 604. Second surface 615 ofplunger element 605 comprises plug or top wall portion 621 closing thetop of the second surface or wall 615. The second surface 615 of plungerelement 605 also comprises one or more extract flow openings 617, atleast a portion of which are situated at a depth 618 separated from thefirst surface 613 along the vertical axis 606. The one or more extractflow openings 617 are adapted to permit flow of extract 603 from thefirst chamber 614 (containing a mixture of extract 603 and infusiblematerial 604) to the second annular chamber 616 (containing extract 603)as shown by arrow 619. In alternative embodiments, the second wall 615of the plunger element 605 may optionally have another shape, such as arectangular prism, or conical frustum, for example.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8,The extract flow openings 617 in the second wall 615 are desirablyadapted to control the passage of infusible material 604 through theopenings 617 to allow substantial separation of the extract 603 from theinfusible material 604, and optionally, extract flow openings 617 in thesecond wall 615 may be sufficiently small to substantially exclude theinfusible material 604 from passing through the openings 617. Extractflow openings 617 may also optionally comprise one or more filterelements, similar to filter elements 20 in FIG. 1 described above.

In some embodiments of the invention, such as that shown in FIG. 8, theplunger element 605 may also include one or more extract flow paths 626in the plunger element 605 to permit flow of extract 603 from theannular second chamber 616 to a third extract chamber 627 through theflow path 626, as generally indicated by arrow 628.

As in plunger element 5, plunger element 605 may typically also includeone or more vent openings 622 adapted to permit the flow of air and/or aportion of any low density extractable constituents 624 through the ventopenings 622, as represented in FIG. 8 by arrow 623, as the plungerelement 605 is moved inside the infusing container 602. In the exemplaryembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, the vent openings622 in the second wall 615 are desirably adapted to control the passageof infusible material 604 through the vent openings 622, and optionally,vent openings 622 in the second wall 615 may be sufficiently small tosubstantially exclude the infusible material 604 from passing throughthe vent openings 622. In alternative embodiments, vent openings 622 mayalso optionally include vent filter elements (not shown), similar tofilter elements 20 described above, and may be made from similarsuitable materials and by similar suitable methods to those describedabove in reference to filter elements 20. In a further alternativeembodiment, the one or more vent openings 622 may be adjustable orconfigurable to control the amount of low density extractableconstituents 624 which may flow through the vent openings 622.

The plunger element 605 and first wall 613 and second wall 615components thereof may be made from suitable materials such as describedabove in reference to plunger element 5 of FIG. 1. The infusingcontainer 602 may be made from suitable materials such as describedabove in reference to infusing container 2 of FIG. 1, and infusingcontainer 402 of FIG. 6. The infusing container 602 may also optionallyinclude a pouring spout 630, which may be used to pour the separatedextract 603 from the third chamber 627 for consumption or other use. Theinfusing container 602 may further optionally include a handle (notshown) to facilitate lifting or moving the extraction apparatus 601 by auser.

Referring to FIG. 9, a solvent extraction apparatus 701 according to anembodiment of the invention is shown, configured similarly to a reversefrench press type extraction apparatus, wherein infusible material maybe lifted out of an infusing container, rather than pressed to thebottom of the container. The solvent extraction apparatus 701 comprisesexemplary cylindrical infusing container 702 containing a mixture ofextract 703 and infusible material 704. Plunger element 705 issubstantially cylindrical in cross-section and adapted to fit withininfusing container 702 of solvent extraction apparatus 701, and to bemoved within the infusing container 702 from the bottom to the top ofthe container 702, along a vertical axis thereof, such as centralvertical axis 706, by means of lifting a plunging means attached to theplunger element 705. The plunging means may comprise a central elongatedhandle 707 comprised of rod 708 and optional knob 709, for example,which may be grasped by a user to lift the plunger element 705 in thedirection shown by arrow 732. The extraction apparatus 701 additionallycomprises a lid 710 with central hole 711 through which rod 708 may passto assist in centering the plunger element 705 and rod 708 insideinfusing container 702 and prevent it from tilting. Lid 710 alsocomprises an interior cavity or opening, such that the infusiblematerial may be lifted into the lid 710 by lifting plunger 705. FIG. 9shows the extraction apparatus 701 in a first or starting position forseparating the extract 703 from the mixture of extract 703 and infusiblematerial 704 in infusing container 702.

Plunger element 705 additionally comprises sealing means 712 situated atthe edge of a first surface or wall 713 of the plunger element 705,which is oriented substantially transverse to the vertical axis 706. Inuse inside infusing container 702, the first surface 713 and sealingmeans 712 of the plunger element 705 define a first chamber 714containing the mixture of extract 703 and infusible material 704. Inother alternative embodiments, plunger element 705 may comprise anothercross-sectional shape to fit a non-cylindrical infusion container 702,wherein sealing means 712 may be situated around the edge or edges ofthe first surface 713 of the plunger element 705.

The plunger element 705 further comprises a second surface or wall 715depending from and oriented substantially perpendicular to the firstsurface 713, defining a second fluid chamber 716, which is substantiallyopen at one end. Similar to the plunger element 5 shown in FIG. 1, thejoint between the first surface 713 and the second surface 715 ofplunger 705 is substantially leak proof, and the second surface 715 ofplunger element 705 also comprises one or more extract flow openings717, wherein at least a portion of the one of more extract flow openings717 is situated at a depth 718 above the first surface 713 along thevertical axis 706. The one or more extract flow openings 717 are adaptedto permit flow of extract into second chamber 716 as shown by arrow 719.In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9,the second surface 715 is substantially cylindrical with a substantiallycircular cross-section, and with a plug or end wall portion 721 closingthe top of the second surface or wall 715. In alternative embodiments,the second surface or wall 715 of the plunger element 705 may optionallyhave another shape, such as a rectangular prism, or conical frustum, forexample.

The one or more extract flow openings 717 in the second wall 715typically comprise one or more filter elements 720 within or across theextract flow openings 717, such that extract flowing through theopenings 717 as shown by arrow 719 must substantially pass through thefilter elements 720. Similar to exemplary plunger element 5 of FIG. 1,the one or more filter elements 720 may be desirably adapted to controlthe passage of infusible material through the openings 717 to allowsubstantial separation of the extract from the infusible material, andoptionally, apertures in the filter elements 720 may be small enough tosubstantially exclude the infusible material from passing through theopenings 717. Extract flow path filter elements 720 are substantiallysimilar to extract flow opening filter elements 20 described above, andmay be made from similar suitable materials and by similar suitablemethods to those described above in reference to filter elements 20.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9,the second fluid chamber 716 defined by the second surface 715 has asubstantially open extract flow opening 726 at the bottom and therebypermits flow of extract out of fluid chamber 716, as generally indicatedby arrow 728 as plunger 705 is lifted up through the infusing container702. In other exemplary embodiments, the fluid chamber 716 defined bythe second surface 715 may be partially closed or narrowed at an extractflow opening 726 located at the bottom of chamber 716. In a furtheralternative embodiment, the fluid chamber 716 may be closed at thebottom, and may comprise an extract flow path (not shown) through firstsurface 713, to allow the flow of extract 703 into a third fluid chamber727.

The infusing container 702 may be made from suitable materials, and insuch a manner as described above in reference to infusing container 2 ofFIG. 1. The infusing container 702 may also typically include a pouringspout 730, which may be used to pour the separated extract 703 from thethird chamber 727 for consumption or other use. The plunger element 705and first wall 713 and second wall 715 components thereof may be madefrom suitable materials such as described above in reference to plungerelement 5 of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 10, a vertical section of an exemplary embodiment of aplunger element 805 according to an embodiment of the invention isshown, configured similarly to a french press type coffee and/or teamaking plunger. Plunger element 805 is adapted to fit within an infusingcontainer, such as the infusing container shown in FIG. 1, and to bemoved within the infusing container (not shown) along a vertical axisthereof, such as central vertical axis 806, by means such as centralelongated handle 807. Handle means 807 may comprise rod 808 and optionalknob 809, for example, which may be grasped by a user to move theplunger element 805.

Plunger element 805 additionally comprises sealing means 812 situated atthe edge of a first surface or wall 813 of the plunger element 805,which is substantially circular in cross-section, and is orientedsubstantially transverse to the vertical axis 806. Sealing means 812 maybe essentially similar in design and construction to the sealing means12 described above with respect to FIG. 1. Further, plunger 805 includesat least one extract flow path opening 826, such as in first surface813, to allow flow to pass through plunger 805, and in particularthrough first surface 813 as shown by arrow 828. Extract flow path 826may also optionally comprise one or more extract flow filters 829, whichmay be essentially similar to filter elements 20 as described above inreference to FIG. 1. In other alternative embodiments, plunger element805 may comprise another cross-sectional shape to fit inside anon-cylindrical infusion container.

The plunger element 805 further comprises a substantially cylindricalsecond surface or wall 815 depending from and oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the first surface 813, with a plug or end wall portion821 closing the bottom of the second surface or wall 815, defining asecond fluid chamber 816. Similar to the plunger element 5 shown in FIG.1, the joint between the first surface 813 and the second surface 815 ofplunger 805 is substantially leak proof. The second surface 815 ofplunger element 805 also comprises one or more extract flow openings817, wherein at least a portion of the one or more extract flow openings817 is situated at a depth 818 below the first surface 813 along thevertical axis 806. The one or more extract flow openings 817 are adaptedto permit flow of extract into chamber 816 as shown by arrow 819. Inother alternative embodiments, second surface 815 may optionally haveanother shape, such as a rectangular prism or conical frustum, forexample.

The one or more extract flow openings 817 in the second wall 815typically comprise one or more filter elements 820 within or across theextract flow openings 817, such that extract flowing through theopenings 817 as shown by arrow 819 must substantially pass through thefilter elements 820. Similar to exemplary plunger element 5 of FIG. 1,the one or more filter elements 820 may be desirably adapted to controlthe passage of infusible material through the openings 817 to allowsubstantial separation of the extract from the infusible material, andoptionally, apertures in the filter elements 820 may be small enough tosubstantially exclude the infusible material from passing through theopenings 817. Extract flow path filter elements 820 are substantiallysimilar to extract flow opening filter elements 20 described above, andmay be made from similar suitable materials and by similar suitablemethods to those described above in reference to filter elements 20.

The plunger 805 also comprises an adjustment means adapted to allow theadjustment of the effective depth 818 of the one or more extract flowopenings 817 relative to the first surface 813, such as exemplarythreaded adjustment screw 833 shown in FIG. 10. The adjustment screw 833is adapted to adjust the effective length of second surface or wall 815extending below first surface 813 by means of rotating the adjustmentscrew 833, and by so doing to adjust the depth 818 of the one or moreextract flow openings 817 below the first surface 813. Such adjustmentof the depth 818 of extract flow openings 817 may be used to desirablycontrol the passage of infusible material into fluid chamber 816 duringuse of the plunger 805 in the extraction apparatus.

As in plunger element 5, plunger element 805 may typically also includeone or more vent openings 822 adapted to permit the flow of air and/or aportion of any low density extractable constituents through the ventopenings 822, as represented in FIG. 10 by arrow 823, as the plungerelement 805 is moved inside an infusing container. Vent openings 822 mayalso optionally include vent filter elements 825, similar to extractflow opening filter elements 20 described above, and may be made fromsimilar suitable materials and by similar suitable methods to thosedescribed above in reference to filter elements 20.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a vertical section of an exemplary embodimentof a plunger element 905 according to an embodiment of the invention isshown, configured similarly to a french press type coffee and/or teamaking plunger. Similar to plunger 805 as described above, plungerelement 905 is adapted to fit within an infusing container, and to bemoved within the infusing container (not shown) along a vertical axisthereof, such as central vertical axis 906, by means such as centralelongated handle 907, which may comprise rod 908 and optional knob 909,for example, which may be grasped by a user to move the plunger element905.

Also similar to plunger 805 above, plunger 905 comprises a first surfaceor wall 913 which is substantially circular in cross-section, and isoriented substantially transverse to the vertical axis 906, with sealingmeans 912 situated around the edge thereof. Sealing means 912 may beessentially similar in design and construction to the sealing means 12described above with respect to FIG. 1. Further, plunger 905 includes atleast one extract flow path opening 926, such as in first surface 913,to allow flow to pass through the plunger 905, and particularly throughfirst surface 913 as shown by arrow 928, and may also optionallycomprise one or more extract flow filters 929 in opening 926, which maybe essentially similar to filter elements 20 as described above inreference to FIG. 1. In other alternative embodiments, plunger element905 may comprise another cross-sectional shape to fit inside anon-cylindrical infusion container.

As in plunger 805 above, plunger 905 further comprises a substantiallycylindrical second surface or wall 915 depending from first surface 913,with a plug or end wall portion 921 closing the bottom of the secondsurface or wall 915, defining a second fluid chamber 916. The secondsurface 915 of plunger element 905 also comprises one or more extractflow openings 917 adapted to permit flow of extract into chamber 916 asshown by arrow 919, wherein at least a portion of the one or moreextract flow openings 917 is situated at a depth 918 below the firstsurface 913 along the vertical axis 906. In other alternativeembodiments, second surface 915 may optionally have another shape, suchas a rectangular prism or conical frustum, for example.

Similar to plunger 805, extract flow openings 917 in the second wall 915typically comprise one or more filter elements 920 within or across theextract flow openings 917.

Similar to exemplary plunger element 5 of FIG. 1, the one or more filterelements 920 may be desirably adapted to control the passage ofinfusible material through the openings 917 to allow substantialseparation of the extract from the infusible material, and optionally,apertures in the filter elements 920 may be small enough tosubstantially exclude the infusible material from passing through theopenings 917. Extract flow path filter elements 920 are substantiallysimilar to extract flow opening filter elements 20 described above, andmay be made from similar suitable materials and by similar suitablemethods to those described above in reference to filter elements 20.

Plunger element 905 also includes one or more vent openings 922 adaptedto permit the flow of air and/or a portion of any low densityextractable constituents through the vent openings 922, as representedin FIG. 11 by arrow 923, as the plunger element 905 is moved inside aninfusing container. Vent openings 922 may also optionally include ventfilter elements 925, similar to extract flow opening filter elements 20described above, and may be made from similar suitable materials and bysimilar suitable methods to those described above in reference to filterelements 20.

The plunger 905 also comprises an adjustment means adapted to allow theadjustment of the effective opening size of the one or more ventopenings 922 in the first surface 913 of the plunger 905, such asexemplary adjustable aperture slider 934 shown in FIG. 11. Theadjustable aperture slider 934 is adapted to cover an adjustable portionof the one or more vent openings 922, to allow the adjustment of theeffective size of the vent openings 922. Adjustable aperture slider 934may be moved, such as radially towards or away from the central axis906, to increase or decrease the open size of the vent openings 922, todesirably control the passage of low density extractable constituentsthrough the first surface 913 and into the separated extract during useof the plunger 905 in the extraction apparatus. The adjustable apertureslider 934 may also be used to desirably provide additional control ofthe quantity (if any) of infusible material passing through ventopenings 922 and into the separated extract during use of the plunger905 in the extraction apparatus.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a plunger element according tothe invention, and similar to plunger elements 805 and/or 905illustrated and described above, may be adapted to allow a user of theinvention to actively control the flow of extract through the plunger inuse. In such an embodiment the plunger may comprise one or more of:extract flow openings, vent openings and extract flow path openings(similar to openings 917, 922 and 926 above, respectively) which may beadjustable by the user before or during use of the plunger to controlthe flow of extract through the openings while pressing the plungerthrough the mixture of extract and infusible material. Such adjustableopenings may be controlled by the user to vary the size of the openings(such as with adjustable aperture slider 934 above), the location ordepth of the openings relative to the plunger (such as with adjustmentscrew 833 described above), or to otherwise control the flow of extractthrough the openings in the plunger. The user may similarly activelycontrol the passage of any infusible material through the openings inthe plunger, to allow the user to substantially prevent or controllablyallow passage of a portion of infusible material through the plunger.Further, the user may also similarly actively control the flow of anylow-density constituents through the vent openings in the plunger duringuse. In such an embodiment, the plunger may also be adapted to allow theuser to actively control the flow of extract, and optionally also of lowdensity constituents and/or infusible material through the plungerduring use by means of interchangeable or replaceable filter elements(similar to filter elements 920, 925 and 929 described above, forexample) comprised in one of more of the extract flow openings, ventopenings and extract flow path openings of the plunger. In such a case,the user may actively control the flow of one or more of: extract, lowdensity constituent and infusible material, by interchanging orreplacing one or more such filter elements with replacement elementshaving varying filtration and flow characteristics. It may be understoodby a person skilled in the art that any of the additional plungerapparatus features described above in reference to other embodiments ofthe invention may also be applied to the present embodiment as may besuitable or desired.

In an alternative embodiment of the inventive extract separationapparatus, a plunger element adapted to fit and move along a verticalaxis within an infusing container according to the invention maycomprise a first surface comprising sealing means at an edge of thefirst surface adapted to seal against the inside walls of the infusingcontainer. In such an embodiment, the first surface is oriented at anoblique angle relative to the vertical axis and is adapted to contactthe inside walls of the infusing container at an oblique angle, incontrast to embodiments described above where the first surface issubstantially perpendicular to the infusing container walls and verticalaxis. In such alternative embodiment, at least a portion of theobliquely angled first surface of the plunger may comprise one or moreextract flow openings, such that when the plunger is in use within theinfusing container, a first portion of the one or more extract flowopenings is located at a depth along the vertical axis below a secondportion of the one of more extract flow openings. In an exemplary suchalternative embodiment adapted for use in an infusing container havingcylindrical walls, the obliquely angled first surface of the plunger maycomprise a substantially oval disc, angled relative to the vertical axisof the infusing container. It may be understood by a person skilled inthe art that any of the additional plunger apparatus features describedabove in reference to other embodiments of the invention may also beapplied to the present embodiment as may be suitable or desired.

In a second alternative embodiment of the inventive extract separationapparatus, a plunger adapted to fit and move along a vertical axiswithin an infusing container according to the invention may comprise acurved, or substantially non-planar, first surface. The first surfacemay comprise sealing means at an edge of the first surface adapted toseal against the inside walls of the infusing container. In such anembodiment, the curved first surface comprises first and secondsegments, each having one or more extract flow openings therein, suchthat when the plunger is in use within the infusing container, the oneor more extract flow openings in the first segment are located at adepth along the vertical axis below the one or more extract flowopenings in the second segment of the first surface. In an exemplarysuch alternative embodiment, the curved first surface of the plungerelement is substantially “Z” shaped in a cross-sectional view parallelto the vertical axis, such that one end of the “Z” comprises a firstsegment, and the other end of the “Z” comprises a second segment, at adepth above the first segment relative to the vertical axis. It may beunderstood by a person skilled in the art that any of the additionalplunger apparatus features described above in reference to otherembodiments of the invention may also be applied to the presentembodiment as may be suitable or desired.

In yet a further alternative embodiment, an extract separation apparatusaccording to the invention may comprise an infusing container with avertical axis and including a fixed filter element within the container,where the filter element comprises a first surface substantiallytransverse to a vertical axis of the container and defining a firstchamber containing a mixture of extract and infusible material. Thefixed filter element also comprises a second surface extendingsubstantially perpendicular to the first surface, the second surfacecomprising one or more extract flow openings, wherein the one or moreextract flow openings are adapted to permit flow of extract from thefirst chamber into the second chamber, and wherein at least a portion ofthe one or more extract flow openings in the second surface are situatedat a depth, separated from the first surface, either above or below thefirst surface along the vertical axis of the infusing container. Theextract separation apparatus also includes a piston element adapted tofit and move within the infusing container along the vertical axis, andto seal against the inside walls of the infusing container, such thatwhen the first chamber of the infusing container contains a mixture ofextract and infusible material, the movement of the piston elementwithin the container forces at least a portion of the extract to flowthrough the extract flow openings. Depending on the orientation of thesecond surface of the fixed filter element either above or below thefirst surface, the piston element may be adapted to fit and move withinthe infusing container either above or below the filter element, tocause the extract to flow through the extract flow openings. In anexemplary embodiment, the piston element may be operated by a user'shand, or alternatively, may be operated mechanically, pneumatically, orby other suitable means, and may be controlled directly by a user, or bya machine. In a further exemplary embodiment, the piston element mayseal a portion of air or other gas within the infusing container,between the fluid mixture and the filter element, such that the movementof the piston element exerts force on the fluid mixture indirectlythrough the air or other gas, to cause the extract to flow through theextract flow openings. It may be understood by a person skilled in theart that any of the additional separation apparatus features describedabove in reference to other embodiments of the invention may also beapplied to the present embodiment as may be suitable or desired.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an inventive method ofseparating an extract from a mixture of the extract and an infusiblematerial using an extract separation apparatus according to theinvention may be provided. In such a method, a mixture of an infusiblematerial and an extract may be mixed in an infusing container. Then aplunger element according to the invention may be inserted into theinfusing container along a vertical axis thereof, where the plungerelement comprises: wherein the plunger element comprises:

-   -   a plunging means adapted to move the plunger element within the        infusing container along the vertical axis thereof;    -   a first surface substantially transverse to the vertical axis        and comprising sealing means situated at one or more edges of        said first surface, wherein said sealing means are adapted for        sealing engagement with the one or more inner walls of the        infusing container as the plunger element is moved within the        container, to define a first chamber containing the mixture of        infusible material and extract bounded by said first surface;    -   a second surface substantially perpendicular to said first        surface and defining a second chamber, said second surface        comprising one or more extract flow openings, wherein said one        or more extract flow openings are adapted to permit flow of        extract from said first chamber into said second chamber, and        wherein at least a portion of said one or more extract flow        openings in said second surface are situated at a depth, wherein        said depth is separated from said first surface, either above or        below said first surface along the vertical axis.        Then, the plunger element may be moved within the infusing        container to cause at least a portion of the extract to flow        through the one or more extract flow openings, to produce a        separated extract portion.

The exemplary embodiments herein described are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. They are chosen and described to explain the principles ofthe invention and its application and practical use to allow othersskilled in the art to comprehend its teachings.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theforegoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible inthe practice of this invention without departing from the spirit orscope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to beconstrued in accordance with the substance defined by the followingclaims.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An apparatus for creating and separating an infusedextract from a mixture of an infusible material and the extract, theapparatus comprising: a container having one or more vertical innerwalls oriented parallel to a vertical axis of the container; a plungeradapted to be inserted into the container, wherein the plunger isadapted to be moved within the container along the vertical axisthereof, wherein the plunger in turn includes: a handle adapted to movethe plunger within the container along the vertical axis thereof; afirst surface transverse to the vertical axis and including at least oneseal situated at one or more edges of said first surface, wherein saidat least one seal is adapted for sealing engagement with the one or moreinner walls of the container as the plunger is moved within thecontainer, the first surface defining a plurality of extract flowopenings therethrough; a second surface extending from said firstsurface and defining and surrounding a chamber; and a third surfaceextending from the second surface, the third surface defining aplurality of flow openings therethrough, the first surface, secondsurface and third surface cooperating to define the chamber, wherein thefirst surface and third surface define a top of the chamber and thebottom of the chamber, respectively, wherein fluid and/or extract flowsthrough the plurality of flow openings in the third surface, through thechamber, and through the plurality of extract flow openings in the firstsurface as the plunger is pushed downwardly.
 22. The apparatus accordingto claim 21, wherein said plurality of extract flow openings define atleast one fluid filter.
 23. The apparatus according to claim 21, whereinsaid first surface is discoid in shape, and wherein said plunger isadapted to fit within the container, the container including acylindrical inner wall.
 24. The apparatus according to claim 21, whereinsaid second surface is one of cylindrical or frusto-conical in shape.25. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said at least one fluidfilter includes at least one of: a mesh or screen defining a pluralityof apertures therein and is comprised of a material selected from metal,polymer, ceramic, composite, cloth, felt, paper or a combinationthereof; a porous material layer defining a plurality of aperturestherein attached to said at least one extract flow opening; a removableporous surface layer defining a plurality of apertures therein, andsituated over said at least one extract flow opening; or a plurality ofapertures; and wherein said at least one fluid filter is adapted tocontrol passage of the infusible material through said one or moreextract flow openings.